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Stars Align to Defend Wildlife in New IFAW Campaign

Thursday, 15 January, 2015

Washington, D.C

The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW; www.ifaw.org) today released its new PROTECT PSA campaign. The series, which was conceived, directed and edited by actress, director and IFAW ambassador Joely Fisher, features notable Hollywood personalities discussing pressing issues facing animals around the world and calling upon the public to take action for animals.

“As a longtime IFAW supporter, I am honored to have the opportunity to shed light on these issues,” said Fisher. “Well-known advocates help engage and rally the public to take up the cause of animal welfare. We’re excited to release these spots now since it is a critical time for impact on these campaigns. We’re proud to join IFAW in their important and meaningful mission of saving animals in need all around the world.”

The PSA campaign also promotes IFAW’s "I Found A Way” campaign and its Animal Action Education program, designed to empower young people and their communities to take positive action for animals.

“We are grateful to Joely Fisher and all the caring people who were willing to lend their celebrity to raise awareness for animals in the PROTECT PSAs,” said Azzedine Downes, President and Chief Executive Officer, IFAW. “Animals face more threats today than ever before from cruelty, poaching and habitat loss—all the result of one species, us. A key part of the PROTECT PSA campaign involves capturing the American public’s attention and making sure people understand the issues, as well as how they can help.”

The species highlighted in these PSAs face significant pressures: elephants are hunted mercilessly for their tusks, fueling a worldwide ivory trade – in which the United States represents the second largest market. There are currently more tigers living in captivity in the US than there are left in the wild. Majestic, wild creatures such as these big cats are meant to live freely—not to be killed and locked up for human entertainment. Whales are hunted by commercial whalers, entangled in fishing gear, struck by ships and injured or sometimes killed from deafening ocean noise.

The PSA spots are being launched online with social support from several of the celebrities involved and online and pro bono TV broadcast placement. To watch the collection of PROTECT PSAs, please visit: www.ifaw.org/protect.

About IFAW

Founded in 1969, IFAW saves animals in crisis around the world. With projects in more than 40 countries, IFAW rescues individual animals, works to prevent cruelty to animals, and advocates for the protection of wildlife and habitats. For more information, visit www.ifaw.org. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.